WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 1

NEWS FROM OF THE MONTH CLUB Since 1972 March 2008 evaluated last month: 279 Rejected: 259 Approved: 20 Selected: 8

What’s New arch goes flavors, perfect with This Month? in like a roast meats and hard lion, out cheeses. see page 2 like a Mlamb. This month’s LIMITED SERIES Send Us Your wines will suit all e-mail Address! the moods and menus Rocca Di Sodone, 2002. Chianti Classico, Tuscany send to: of March. [email protected] Rocca di Sodone has REGULAR SERIES emerged again with an award-winning Chianti, Is this cool or what? Yellow Bird, 2006. , and we are thrilled to LOG ONTO California share it with you. This is www. special wine for drinking wineofthemonthclub.com From a legendary now but it will also keep in and click on history of great wine- your cellar. “Live Help” and you will making, comes this be connected right here food-friendly and Ashford Court, 2005. to one of our delicious Chardonnay. Chardonnay, Los Membership Service Reps! Always a favorite, Carneros, California this Yellow Bird This wine shows why Los Chardonnay is a sure Carneros is known for its Gift Assortments fire winner. delicious Chardonnay. No see page 9 PKNT, 2005. , cellar is complete without Central Chile a great Chardonnay, and New Member this is it. Application From the central region for a Friend of Chile, this Merlot is made with fruit- see page 15 forward and jammy

INSIDE THIS MONTH

WINEOFTHEMONTH CLUB NEWS 1 ORDER FORMS 7–10 WHAT’S NEW?2UPCOMING EVENTS 11 REG. CHARDONNAY, 2006. YELLOW BIRD 3 MEMBER COMMENTS 12 REG. MERLOT, 2005. PKNT 4 ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD 13 LTD. CHIANTI CLASSICO, 2002. ROCCA DI SONDONE 5 REGULAR & LTD TASTING NOTES 11, 14 LTD. CHARDONNAY, 2005. ASHFORD COURT 6 WORD ON THE STREET 16 Join us on the Web: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 2

A NOTE WHAT’S NEW THIS MONTH? FROM YOUR CELLARMASTER I am sort of a "feet first" kind of person. I consider myself fairly logical and with some common sense. I analyze data and try to make good decisions. Often I will still do what my gut says in the face of what the data might suggest. Though I don't get the opportunity to speak to all of you, I do speak to some of you on occasion (my phone line Paul Kalemkiarian is always open for members to call) and I have accumulated some great ideas and thoughts to Here we go folks. I am just better serve the membership. So starting this excited about what is month you will see some changes. Most notably in happening here… come this newsletter you will see a 100-point Wine of the along for the ride. You are Month Club rating scale (see page 11 for the rating going to enjoy it! descriptions). One comment I have always made about the 100-point ratings that are out there is that Salud! they don't depend on their ability to rate wines to sell them. In other words, they just rate, I have to rate and choose. If I don't choose well, I won't stay in business! So, it is with great pleasure that we Paul Kalemkiarian release our 100-point scale to you.

As well, you will soon be able to look up each and every wine that we taste. So if you are interested in seeing what we have tasted and what we liked and didn't like, it will all be online. I can keep writing about all the great changes we are making... but one at a time.

Membership in THE WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB is open to anyone with an interest in and an appreciation for superb wines... and excellent wine values. Membership is FREE. For more info write: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB P.O. Box 660220, Arcadia, CA 91066 Or call: 1-800-949-WINE (9463) or (626) 303-1690 FAX: (626) 303-2597 Visit us at: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com Newsletter written by: Elizabeth Schweitzer, Master

2 1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 3

DOMESTIC SELECTION

ellow Bird Harry Parducci Chardonnay is is a third generation member the latest success of one of Sonoma Valley’s Y story from Adler pioneering Fels . families. His grandfather Adler Fels was founded in established Valley of the 1979 by David and Ayn Moon Winery in 1939. Coleman. They very quickly His experience covers over established the winery as a thirty years of making wines producer of award-winning at Valley of the Moon, wines from Sonoma County. Kenwood, and Chateau Most success stories are Diana. Harry oversees the based on a creative and , winemaking, pioneering spirit and Adler blending, and bottling. He is 2006 Fels is no exception. David knowledgeable, talented, implemented innovations and experienced, yet he’s Yellow Bird that would become industry open to new ideas. standards. He created the Chardonnay first gold foil label used Yellow Bird Chardonnay (shar-doe-nay) on his wine bottles. He is Harry Parducci’s latest invented the adjustable top innovative project. This California fermentation tank, which is Chardonnay is sourced from now used throughout the some of his finest Color: in California. It’s styled to be industry. He was also the Bright golden yellow first to make custom labels drinker-friendly, fresh, and and allow his customers to versatile. The color is a Nose: make custom blends. The bright gold yellow. The Fresh tropical, green philosophy then is the same nose is clean and fresh with apple, pear, citrus as it is now: “To grow up-front tropical fruit, green and make great wines from apple, pear, and citrus. The Palate: the best possible, flavors are clean and bright Crisp acidity, to establish long-term with lush tropical fruit, crisp full-bodied, lush, relationships with growers, acidity, and a lingering tropical fruit and to serve the customers.” finish. This recipe will be The winery clings to a core perfect with pasta, salads, Finish: belief: “To produce well- and baked polenta. (Try our Lingering finish balanced, elegant wines with recipe on page 13.) Enjoy! intense varietal character, and to deliver them at great values to the trades and WOMC Rating the consumer.” 88 Points

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 308A Retail Price: $11.99/each Special Member Price: $8.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $6.99/each through 2008 42% Discount $83.88/case

1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com 3 WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 4

IMPORTED SELECTION

entral Chile is and knowledgeable wine- home to most of maker. Not only is he known the country’s for making award-winning C population. The wines such as his Merlot, capital city, Santiago, is in , and central Chile, and the area is Chardonnay but also for his the heart of the country’s charity work and sense of economic, political, and humor. The name of his cultural life. The region is 2005 Merlot should give you blessed with natural beauty. a chuckle. Pknt is a play The Andes Mountains are a on the word picante, which spectacular backdrop to a is Spanish for spicy. Alex land stretching to the Pacific wants this wine to spice up 2005 Ocean. The air is crisp and your mealtime. You’ll have PKNT clean. The weather is ideal a few delicious comments Merlot for winegrowing with hot about this Merlot once you (mare-low) summers, cool falls, and taste it. mild, short winters. Central Valley The wine pours a dark Chile Winemaking began with the purple color. The nose is Spanish Conquistadors in Color: engaging with soft plum, red Dark purple the 16th century. At first, the berry fruit, and just a slight wines were simple table Nose: hint of . It is medium- Soft plum, berry wines. Today’s wines bodied and juicy with fruit from Chile are exquisite, flavors of ripe black fruit, Palate: well-made, and a good value and round with soft tannins. Medium-bodied, for consumers. juicy black fruit, soft The finish is lingering. Pair tannins Winemaker Alex Rubio this Merlot with baked Finish: travels throughout the ham, pasta with meat sauce, Juicy long finish United States and Europe and beef stew. promoting his and other WOMC Rating Chilean wines. He is a gifted 85 Points

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 308B Retail Price: $12.99/each Special Member Price: $10.49/each Drink now Reorder Price: $7.99/each through 2010 39% Discount $95.88/case

4 1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 5

IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION

hianti is ’s cherries with a hint of toast. most famous At Rocca di Sodone they wine. Some of us believe that great wines are C may remember born in the , but it is the old days, when it was in the cellar that they mature popular for its basket-bottle, and develop their individual which, when empty, became character. They have a candle holder. These 2002 installed a modern “vat hall” bottles are still readily for their stainless steel Rocca di available for old times sake, fermentations and it’s all Sodone but Chianti has come a long computerized. This is an way, baby. These wines have Chianti ancient cellar with ultra- improved immensely in the Classico modern technologies. The past ten to fifteen years. / atmosphere in the cellar The Tuscan region in central is naturally perfect for Colorino / Italy is famous for its olives, ageing the wines in casks Cabernet cypress trees, and beautiful and barriques. Sauvignon (san-gee-oh-veh-say / hilltop villages washed in Rocca di Sodone spent 15 koh-lor-een-o / sunset colors. But it’s the ka-bur-nay months in barrels and 12 wines that truly capture the saw-veehn-yawn) months in the bottle before it spirit of the region and the Tuscany, Italy was released. The result is a name—Chianti. Only wines wine with a deep ruby color. Color: from the Chianti regions of Deep ruby red The nose is strong with hints Tuscany, Italy, can be called Nose: of spice, bay leaf, and ripe Chianti. Now, think Chianti Dark fruit, ripe plum, dark fruit, and vanilla. and think Sangiovese. plum, spice, vanilla It is dry, full-bodied, and Chianti wines are made Palate: well-balanced with chewy primarily from the Dry, meaty, well- fruit tannins and a long balanced, chewy Sangiovese grape, and often finish. This is a great fruit tannins blended with Canaiolo, match with , eggplant Finish: , or other grape parmigiano and lentil soup. Chewy, long finish varieties. Sangiovese (Try our recipe on page 13.) makes a strong, bold wine WOMC Rating reminiscent of dried red 86 Points

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L308C Retail Price: $22.99/each Special Member Price: $19.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $15.99/each through 2011 30% Discount $191.88/case

1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com 5 WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 6

IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION

ne of the world’s many vineyards, and for premiere wine this reason it’s considered growing regions, one of the world’s “noble” O Los Carneros is grape varietals. Most located 40 minutes from San Chardonnays are delicious Francisco. Los Carneros and food friendly, so it’s a (The Sheep) overlaps the wine that always demands southern parts of both Napa our attention. and Sonoma Valleys. In The Los Carneros AVA 1983 it became one of the Chardonnays are wines first designated American 2005 marked by smoothness and Viticultural Areas (AVA) elegance. One defining trait because of its distinct micro- Ashford Court is a suede-like texture with climate and . Los citrus, good acidity with Carneros is a cool climate Chardonnay some herbal greenness and known for its (shar-doe-nay) healthy oak. Ashford Court Chardonnay and . is in keeping with the The San Francisco Bay Los Carneros Los Carneros tradition by creates the fog, wind, and California producing another delicious, moderate temperatures in affordable, and elegant the area. Because of this Color: Chardonnay. long, cool growing season, Bright golden yellow the grapes mature slowly Ashford Court Chardonnay Nose: and evenly. The soil here is has a bright yellow color. Ripe, juicy apples, dense and shallow with The nose is open with ripe, ripe tropical fruit high clay. These soils impact juicy apples, and assertive Palate: the vines by providing tropical fruit. It is lush, full- Lush, vanilla, nutrients and water that bodied with creamy papaya, creamy, papaya, sustain growth without vanilla, and grapefruit. grapefruit over-development. The finish is clean and lingering. Serve this with Finish: Chardonnay is a grape that pasta in cream sauce, tomato Clean and lingering transforms itself from basil soup, grilled goat country to country, from cheese sandwiches, or region to region, and from WOMC Rating grilled whitefish. to vintage. It can rule 87 Points

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L308D Retail Price: $22.99/each Special Member Price: $19.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $15.99/each through 2008 30% Discount $191.88/case

6 1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 7

IMITED ERIES L EARLIERS SELECTIONS

REGULAR MEMBER ITEM # DESCRIPTION PRICE/ DISC. QTY. REORDER PRICE/ TOTAL UNIT CASE/EACH Chianti Classico, 2002. Rocca di Sodone $191.88/cs L308C $22.99 30% “Dark fruit, ripe plum, spice, vanilla” $15.99/ea Chardonnay, 2005. Ashford Court $191.88/cs L308D $22.99 30% “Ripe, juicy apples, tropical fruit” $15.99/ea , 2005. Lafage $179.88/cs L308E $19.99 25% “Plum, dark cherry, pepper, spice” $14.99/ea Chardonnay, 2005. Mossback $155.88/cs L308F $16.99 35% “Pear, lime, chalk” $12.99/ea Pinot Noir, 2006. Bangin Red $191.88/cs L208C $21.99 27% “Bing cherry, silky, red rose” $15.99/ea , 2006. Ca˜no $179.88/cs L208D $22.99 35% “Black fruit, plums, spicy oak” $14.99/ea Viognier, 2005. Kitfox $155.88/cs L208E $16.99 23% “Ripe apricot, peach cobbler, buttery” $12.99/ea Chard/Semillon/Verdelho, 2006. Stickleback $155.88/cs L208F $16.99 23% “Citrus zest, gooseberry, passion fruit” $12.99/ea Pinot Noir, 2005. Montoya $191.88/cs L108C $21.99 27% “Black licorice, rose petals, red fruit” $15.99/ea Cabernet/Merlot, 2003. Camelback $191.88/cs L108D $22.99 30% “Ripe mulberry, red currant, cedar” $15.99/ea Pinot Grigio, 2006. Totino $155.88/cs L108E $17.99 28% “Apple, pear, mineral” $12.99/ea Chardonnay, 2006. Domaine Jean Bousquet $155.88/cs L108F $17.99 28% “Guava, honeydew, butterscotch” $12.99/ea Sparkling Brut, NV. Moingeon 1415 $227.88/cs L1207C $21.99 14% “Floral, citrus, light toast” $18.99/ea Banyuls, NV. L’Etoile $179.88/cs L1207D $19.99 25% “Grilled hazelnut,tobacco, dark plums” $14.99/ea /Merlot, 2004. Taltarni $179.88/cs L1207E $18.99 21% “Black cherry, coffee, licorice” $14.99/ea VMR, 2006. The Black Chook $167.88/cs L1207F $17.99 22% “Apricot, honeysuckle, nectarine” $13.99/ea You must be a Limited Series Member Sub-Total to order Limited Series wines. 8.25% CA Sales Tax S&H TOTAL 7 WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 8

EGULAR ERIES R EARLIERS SELECTIONS

REGULAR MEMBER ITEM # DESCRIPTION PRICE/ DISC. QTY. REORDER PRICE/ TOTAL UNIT CASE/EACH Chardonnay, 2006. Yellow Bird $83.88/cs 308A $11.99 42% “Green apple, pear, citrus” $6.99/ea Merlot, 2005. Pknt $83.88/cs 308B $12.99 39% “Soft plum, black fruit, berry” $6.99/ea Merlot, 2002. Spinner Red $95.88/cs 208A $18.99 58% “Dusty road, ripe cherries, smoke” $7.99/ea Chardonnay, 2006. St. Lucas $83.88/cs 208B $10.99 36% “Green melon, cherry blossom, sour apples” $6.99/ea Chardonnay, 2006. Cardiff $83.88/cs 108A $12.99 46% “Peach, green apple, vanilla” $6.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004. Checkered Cab $95.88/cs 108B $14.99 53% “Mulberry, woodspice, mint” $7.99/ea Sparkling Brut, NV. Toso $95.88/cs 1207A $13.99 43% “Yeasty, buttered toast, apple” $7.99/ea Port, NV. Montonico $83.88/cs 1207B $15.99 57% “Black currant, caramel, plum” $6.99/ea Merlot, 2006. Le Tresor $107.88/cs 1207C $11.99 25% “CigarSOLD box, blueberry, OUT walnuts” $8.99/ea Chardonnay, 2006. Le Vie $95.88/cs 1207D $11.99 34% “Floral,SOLD peaches, OUT almonds” $7.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003. Napa Girl $107.88/cs 1107A $21.99 60% “Ripe red berries, vanilla, cassis” $8.99/ea Sauvignon Blanc, 2006. Veramonte $83.88/cs 1107B $12.99 47% “Stone fruit, citrus, herbs” $6.99/ea Chardonnay, 2004. Napa Girl $83.88/cs 1007A $19.99 65% “Green apple, lemon, spice” $6.99/ea Nero d’Avola / Merlot, 2005. Epicuro $83.88/cs 1007B $14.99 54% “Strawberry,SOLD black OUT berry, smoke” $6.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004. Chateau Peralta $95.88/cs 907A $15.99 50% “Cranberry,SOLD cassis, leather”OUT $7.99/ea Chardonnay (Unwooded), 2004. Gum Bear $59.88/cs 907B $11.99 58% “Tropical fruit, pear, melon” $4.99/ea Sub-Total 8.25% CA Sales Tax S&H TOTAL 8 WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 9

INE F THE ONTH LUB W O GIFTM ORDERSC

GIFT # WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB GIFT MEMBERSHIPS QTY. PRICE TOTAL

10G 2 Bottles Current club selections $22.98* 20G 6 Bottles Assortment of recent selections $61.99* 30G 12 Bottles (1 Case) Assortment of recent selections $120.38* 4GP 4 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $81.42* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) each month for 4 months (8 bottles total). 4QGP 4 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $81.42* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles every quarter for one year (8 bottles total). 5GP 6 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $120.38* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) each month for 6 months (12 bottles total). 5BGP 6 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $120.38* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) every other month for 6 months (12 bottles total). 6GP 1 Year Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $237.26* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) each month for 12 months (24 bottles total).

LOG 2 Bottles (LIMITED SERIES) Current selections $43.50* LGP 1 Year Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $483.50* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Limited Series selections) every month for the next 12 months (24 bottles total).

WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB 2008 GIFT BASKETS THE ULTIMATE PARTY If you really want to “WOW” them, this is the gift to send. This is our largest basket collection. It has 3 bottles of wine and arrives in a gorgeous X-large copper bucket. They will remember you long after the wine and food are gone with this one. Basket includes: one bottle of 2005 Copper Fish Petite Sirah, one bottle 2006 Monkey Puzzle Sauvignon Blanc, one bottle NV. Rime , Dillon’s Peanut Brittle, Campagna Mediterranean Spread, Northwoods Hot Pepper Cheese, Northwoods Wisconson Cheddar Cheese, Ferdies Gourmet Peanuts, Mrs. Calls Carmel/Chocolate dipped Pretzel, Sourdough Bruschetta Bags, Picholine Olives, California Treats Popcorn, Mrs. Calls Caramels, Rural Route White Fudge and Almond Popcorn, Dolcetto Wafer Rolls, Star Ridge Bread Sticks, Jordan’s Pita Chips, Summer Sausage, assorted hard candies. Delivered in a large round copper wine bucket. #UPB $139.95* + $14.00 shipping and handling ($19.50 outside CA) $139.95 SNACK ATTACK At home or at the office this basket of scrumptious snacks is sure to please everyone. Basket includes: one bottle 2004 Gum Bear Shiraz, 2006 Oak Grove Pinot Grigio, Ferdies Gourmet Peanuts, Chocolate Biscotti Triangle, Torn Ranch Dark Chocolate Bar, Mr. Calls Caramels, Jordan’s Cheddar Buds, Kara’s fruit sours, Partners Gourmet Crackers, East Shore Pretzels, Picholine Olives, Angelina’s Butter Cookies, California Gourmet White Cheddar Popcorn assorted hard candies. Delivered in a medium sized oval basket with handles. #SNAB $65.95* + $14.00 Shipping and Handling ($19.50 outside CA) $65.95 ELEGANT TASTE This beautifully adorned wine caddy delivers an elegant and thoughtful gift. They will open up and enjoy! Basket includes: one bottle: 2002 Vizcaya Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 Tunnel of Elms Chardonnay, San Francisco Chocolate Factory Chocolates, Dolcetto Pastry and assorted hard candies. Arrives in a stylish wine caddy. #ETB $49.95* +$8.50 Shipping and Handling ($10.50 outside CA) $49.95 Add this amount to GIFT ORDER TOTAL on line 1 on Order Form on page 10 GIFT ORDERS TOTAL

1. All wine assortments, as well as the first month of WINE OF THE 3. All recipients must be 21 years or older. MONTH CLUB membership, will be handsomely gift boxed. 4. If any of the items to be included is out of inventory, we A card will be attached with your greeting. guarantee that we will substitute a product of equal or superior 2 Shipments are made by UPS/Fed Ex and are guaranteed to quality. Call us for weekend delivery. arrive in perfect condition. *Gift wrapping included. 9 WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 10

INE F THE ONTH LUB WTOTALO ORDERM INFORMATIONC

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIFT ORDERS

Please Ship Gift # to: Name (please print)

Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes) City State ZIP

Special note on gift card:

Please Ship Gift # to: Name (please print)

Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes) City State ZIP

Special note on gift card: Attach another sheet of paper to list other recipients

All WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB gifts are guaranteed to arrive in perfect condition… gift boxed… and with a gift card. ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS GIFT ORDER TOTAL Check enclosed for WOMC EARLIER SELECTIONS TOTAL $ . Make check payable to: LIMITED SERIES MEMBERSHIP Wine of the Month Club. LIMITED SERIES EARLIER SELECTIONS TOTAL Charge my: 8.25% CA Sales Tax VISA Mastercard Shipping and Handling AmEx Discover GRAND TOTAL

Card # Exp. Date / /

Name (Please Print) Signature

Shipping Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes)

City State Zip

Phone (day) Phone (evening) E-Mail Address

SHIPPING AND HANDLING To order by phone call TOLL FREE GIFT FOR EARLIER SELECTION ORDERS ORDERS CA Out-of-State Number CA Average 1-800-949-WINE Shipping Shipping of Bottles Shipping Out of State (1-800-949-9463) Shipping Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm (Pacific Time) Gift #10G & LOG $6.97 $9.02 1 – 2 $6.97 $9.02 To order by mail or fax Gift #20G $10.95 $16.90 3 – 4 $7.95 $11.30 please complete this order form. Gift #30G $15.65 $27.60 5 – 6 $10.95 $15.65 FAX 626-303-2597 (24 hours a day) Gift #4GP & 4QGP $27.88 $36.08 7 – 8 $12.85 $18.55 Or mail to: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB Gift #5B, 5BGP $41.82 $54.12 9 – 10 $14.20 $21.15 P.O. Box 660220, Arcadia, CA 91066 Gift #6GP & LGP $83.64 $108.84 11 – 12 $15.65 $24.15 Or shop online at: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 10 Please call for shipping prices outside CA in states where permissible. WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 11

IMITED ERIES L TASTINGS NOTES

CHARDONNAY, 2006. YELLOW BIRD MERLOT, 2005. PKNT Date Tested Color Date Tested Color Nose Nose Taste Taste Tracking Notes Tracking Notes Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments

CELLAR NOTES

A report on how previous LIMITED SERIES Selections are faring with age. Obtained from actual tastings on wines under cellar conditions and/or vintner, importer or wholesaler surveys. March 2004 Petite Sirah, 2002. Story Ridge. Drink up. Chardonnay, 2002. Rothbury Estate. Drink now. March 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, 2001. Emmolo. Drink now. Merlot, 2002. Agustinos. Drink up. March 2006 Merlot, 2001. Armstrong Ridge. Drink now. Mendoza White, 2004. Apalooza. Drink up. March 2007 Petite Sirah, 2005. Copper Fish. Drink thru 2008. Sauvignon Blanc, 2006. Monkey Puzzle. Drink up.

WOMC WINE RATING SCHEDULE

-: Classic in all senses. Nose, mouth feel, varietal indications. -: Quality wine with redeeming value. Worth every penny. -: Great value for the quality. Great example of what the wine should be considering terrior, grape and price. -: For the price and quality, the wine is good but no over redeeming value. -: Poor value for the price and not even worth the alcohol content.  or Less: If you dump it, you’ll be charged for toxic clean-up.

1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com 11 WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 12

Gift Assortments Celebrate any occasion with Special Gifts for friends, family and business associates. Visit our website at www.wineofthemonthclub.com for gift baskets, gift memberships and various wine assortments. Give a Wine of the Month Club special gift and you will be the “toast” of the celebration!

MEMBER COMMENTS “This (Napa Girl Cabernet Sauvignon) “I love your club! You’ve allowed me is just a FABULOUS wine and easily to experience wines I would never worth the retail value if not more!” have before this club!” S.A., REDONDO BEACH, CA A.T., WENTZVILLE, MO “Thanks for always sending excellent “Member since 1999 with no intention choices!” of ever canceling. That should M.A., UNIVERSAL CITY, CA tell you how much I have loved my membership!” “I don’t know which I like better, S.C., TABERNASH, CO your wines or your prices!” R.B., KANSAS CITY, MO

12 1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 13

ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD This creamy soup is perfect for a chilly This is a classic and comforting meal. A evening. Paired with a glass or two of Rocca glass of Yellow Bird Chardonnay will make di Sodone Chianti Classico and you will be it perfect. warmed to the core. BAKED POLENTA WITH FONTINA CREAMY LENTIL SOUP AND TOMATO SAUCE INGREDIENTS: INGREDIENTS FOR SAUCE: 1 lb. lentils, rinsed, picked over and drained 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 cup onion, chopped 1 cup onion, chopped 1/2 cup celery, chopped 1/2 cup prosciutto, chopped 1/2 cup carrots, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 carrot, chopped 1 28-oz. can peeled whole tomatoes with 1 russet potato, peeled and chopped basil in juice 2 Tbsp. tomato paste 1 Tbsp. fresh Italian parsley, chopped 10 cups beef broth 1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped Additional olive oil INGREDIENTS FOR POLENTA: PREPARATION: 1 tsp. salt Place lentils in large pot of boiling water with 1 cup polenta enough water to cover by 2”. Cook 20 2 cups grated Fontina cheese (8 oz.) minutes. Remove, drain and set aside. In a large pot combine olive oil, onion, PREPARATION: prosciutto, celery, and carrot and cook on Sauce - Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add medium for 5 minutes. Add potato, tomato onion, celery, carrot and garlic. Sauté 5 paste, broth, and lentils. Bring to boil, then minutes. Add tomatoes with juice, parsley reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or and oregano. Reduce heat and simmer to 3 until lentils and potatoes are soft. cups, gently breaking up tomatoes, for about 15 minutes. Add basil. Season with salt and Remove the soup from heat. Allow to cool pepper. (Can be made 3 days ahead. If made slightly, then puree small batches in a ahead, refrigerate.) blender or food processor. Polenta - Bring 4 cups water and salt to boil. Return the creamed soup to the pot. Season Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat and with salt and pepper. Serve warm, drizzled simmer until thick and cooked through, with a taste of olive oil. Serves 6 to 8. stirring often, about 10 minutes. Assemble - Brush 8x8x2 baking dish with olive oil. Layer: sauce, polenta, cheese; sauce, polenta, cheese; sauce on top. Let stand two hours at room temperature. Bake at 350° until heated through, about 25 minutes. Let polenta stand 10 minutes, then serve.

1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com 13 WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 14

TASTING NOTES

ROCCA DI SODONE, 2002. CHIANTI CLASSICO ASHFORD COURT, 2005. CHARDONNAY Date Tested Color Date Tested Color Nose Nose Taste Taste Tracking Notes Tracking Notes Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments

WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB CELLAR NOTES

A report on how previous WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB Selections are faring with age. Obtained from actual tastings on wines under cellar conditions and/or vintner, importer or wholesaler surveys. March 2004 Rosso del Montalcino, 2001. Casanova di Neri. Drink up. Tempranillo, 1998. Gandia. Drink now. March 2005 MC2, 2001. Rymill. Drink. Bordeaux, 2000. Chateau Haut-Bellevue. Drink thru 2008. March 2006 Red Blend, 2004. X-Winery. Drink now. , 2001. Bridlewood. Drink now. March 2007 Chianti Classico, 2003. Casale Dello Sparviero. Drink. Sauvignon Blanc, 2005. Torea. Drink up.

MEMBER INQUIRY To saber a bottle of around the cork. Keep your means to slice off the top of the thumb on the cork until you are bottle, including the cork, with What ready. Find the vertical seam a large sword. Legend has it does it mean running up the bottle. Hold the that in Napoleon’s time, the to saber a bottle? , bottle, seam facing up, cork brave Calvary soldiers would pointing away from everyone. lop the tops off the bottles as –D.S., PORTLAND, OR Grasp the saber and lay the they rode through Champagne blade flat on the bottle just with their large sabers as it was below the shoulder. Slide the too difficult to wrestle the corks fly out suddenly and cause blade over the shoulder and up out while riding. True or not, it serious injury. the neck making two firm makes for a dramatic and fun First, the Champagne must be touches where the seam meets moment for your occasion. It is very cold. This keeps the cork the collar. Using a swift and actually quite easy to do. from flying out after removing firm motion, sweep the blade Keeping safety in mind first, the cage and the colder the up along the bottle and follow remember that a bottle of bottle, the neater the glass will through so the blade travels off Champagne has as much fracture. The cork should not the bottle along with the cork pressure as a bus tire. Even face the crowd or yourself and and collar. Do not hit the bottle without sabering, always open persons should stand clear of just slide the blade along; the the bottle away from persons the swing of the saber. Strip the pressure will discharge any and windows, mirrors and foil from the neck of the bottle fragments. “Un, deux, trois! chandeliers as the cork could and remove the wire cage from Sabre le Champagne!”

14 1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 15

SIGN UP AFRIEND AND... RECEIVE A SET OF SWAROVSKY WINE CHARMS To join the WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB, just fill in and return this NEW MEMBER ACCEPTANCE FORM ❏ YES. Sign me up for the Wine of the Month Club and then send me my first month’s selection of two specially chosen wines. I understand that each month I will receive additional wines but I may cancel my membership at any time with no further obligation. My monthly cost for the two-bottle wine selection will be $19.48 (one red and one white) plus sales tax and $6.97 for shipping and handling. (Outside California, slightly higher.) MUST BE OVER 21 YEARS OLD TO ENROLL. Each month, you will receive 2 specially selected wines, one red and one white. However, if you would prefer ONLY WHITE or ONLY RED (slightly higher), please check the appropriate box below. You will receive 2 identical bottles of selected red or each month. ❏ I prefer WHITE WINE only. ❏ I prefer only.

PAYMENT Prices subject to change. BY CREDIT CARD — Charge my monthly wine purchase to my credit card, and enclose the copy of the invoice in my monthly wine shipment. ❏ American Express ❏ Discover ❏ MasterCard ❏ VISA

Card # Exp. Date / /

BY CHECK — Please bill me monthly. Enclose the invoice in my shipment of wine. I understand the next month’s selection will not be sent until I pay the current one. I am enclosing the required one month’s deposit of $27.44 which you will apply to my final shipment when I decide to cancel.

Check # Amount $ ✔ Signature (NECESSARY FOR CREDIT CARD ORDERS) Name (Please Print)

Shipping Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes)

City State Zip ( ) ( ) Phone (day) Phone (evening) E-Mail Address

Important delivery information: We can ship to CA, CO, ID, IL, MO, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OH, OR, TX, WI, WV, WY. Shipments cannot be made to a Post Office box. If an adult is not regularly at this address during normal United Parcel Service/Federal Express delivery hours, please specify a neighbor’s, or office address, for the shipments. Mail this enrollment to: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB, PO Box 660220, Arcadia, CA 91066

All WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB Call toll-free wines are fully guaranteed. 1-800-949-WINE You may cancel your 8 am - 5 pm PST or fax 24 hours 626-303-2597 membership at any time. www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 15 WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 16

WORD FOR MEMBERS ONLY... ON THE STREET What others are saying Can’t find it? about our selections! Gotta have it? November 2006 Vintners Series: We source wine from all over the Stuart Cellars world. Special for birthdays, Viognier, 2005 anniversaries, you name it. We also It’s a hit! Editors at Wine Enthusiast Magazine have have access to old and rare cellars. bestowed a coveted 90-point Let us help you find a rare wine. rating on the Stuart Cellars 2005 Viognier! Call or email us with your rare wine You tasted it in specifications and let us do the work. November 2006! We can’t guarantee we’ll find it, but Our Members are on the cutting edge! we can guarantee a great effort.

Discover the Limited Series now and receive a set of Swarovski Crystal Wine Charms FREE! Here’s a charming idea for your next party or dinner. Slip one of these attractive wine charms around the stem of each person’s glass. Designed with a wine theme, each YOURS charm is different so your guests will know FREE! they aren’t mistakenly picking up someone else’s glass. Made from pewter and world- famous Swarovski crystal beads from Austria, the charms are yours FREE just for trying the Limited Series. A $24.95 value.

Join now and receive a set of Swarovski Wine Charms free. ❏ Sign me up for THE LIMITED SERIES Each month $40.00 plus tax and $6.97 shipping & handling. (Outside of California, slightly higher).

2 bottles each month. Free membership, guaranteed wines, cancel anytime. ❏ Red wine only. (Slightly higher) ❏ White wine only. ❏ One red, one white. Please fill out information on the last page of this Order Form.

LIMITED SERIES TOTAL

Add this amount to Limited Series MEMBERSHIP 16 TOTAL on line ➂ on Order Form, page 10 WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 17

IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION

omaine Lafage making experience. He is located in selects only the finest Cotes de grapes from several parcels D Roussillon in throughout Roussillon. The the south of France. grapes are hand-harvested. Roussillon is one of the They are vinified separately oldest viticultural areas of and then blended before France. The land is bottling. Jean-Marc is characterized by extremely always looking for freshness 2005 steep hillsides rising above and expressive aromas for Domaine the villages. The vineyards his wines. He bottles his Lafage are at high altitudes with wines unfiltered. soils of schist, red clay, and This Grenache is unfiltered, Grenache Noir gneiss. The vineyards are (greh-nash nawah) and also un-oaked, which remote and can only be enhances the fruit aromas accessed by tractors and off- Vin de Pays des and flavors. Its has a road vehicles. After harvest, Cotes Catalane freshness not found in other the growers regularly France wines from Southern France. rebuild the terraces because The color pours a deep, Color: of the extensive erosion from Deep purple red purple red. The nose shows drainage. In the past ten off with aromas of plum, Nose: years, this region has seen Plum, dark cherry, dark cherry, pepper, and vast improvements both in pepper, spice spice. The wine drinks the quality and quantity of smooth and well balanced Palate: wines produced. Smooth, with a mouthful of plum, approachable, plum Domaine Lafage wines are cranberry, and earthy truffle cranberry earthy made by a husband and flavors. This wine is a true Finish: wife team. value. It’s well-priced. You Earthy, long finish could order several bottles, Jean-Marc Lafage is only drink it with your dinner, in his thirties, yet he has 15 WOMC Rating and not break the bank. years of world-class wine- 87 Points

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L308E Retail Price: $19.99/each Special Member Price: $18.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $14.99/each through 2010 25% Discount $179.88/case

1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com WOMC-News308 2/12/08 4:15 PM Page 18

IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION

he crew at farm. He grew the company Mossback and watched it go public embraces a in 1995. Their success T common goal: continues with Mossback. “Produce wines we love to The Russian River Valley drink at prices we don’t is a cool growing area in mind paying.” Mossback is California. The Mossback an old-fashioned word for 2005 Chardonnay is based on the farmer. The name also style of Chardonnays grown reflects the mossy rocks and Mossback in Chablis, France, which is tree trunks that dot the another cool region known Russian River Valley. Chardonnay for its Chardonnay. The wine (shar-doe-nay) The Giguiere family is was fermented in stainless dedicated to the land they steel and bottled without Russian River have farmed for generations. oak to retain its acidity and Valley Lane and John have worked intense fruit quality. California the business from all angles. The wine has a light yellow Color: They’ve been ranch hands color with hints of lime. The Light yellow and sheep herders, and now nose is subtle with pear, with lime they’re running a wine lime, and chalk. The palate is Nose: business. “I love the energy soft, crisp, and rich with Pear, lime, chalk of the wine business. It’s a mineral and grapefruit. This Palate: product that brings people is un-oaked Chardonnay at Soft, crisp, together and you get to grapefruit, mineral its finest and will pair enjoy it with food and beautifully with seafood, Finish: friends,” says Lane. John Crisp, citrus finish shellfish, Caesar salad, and was instrumental in opening Asian foods. RH Phillips Winery in 1983 WOMC Rating that was part of his family 81 Points

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L308F Retail Price: $19.99/each Special Member Price: $16.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $12.99/each through 2008 35% Discount $155.88/case

1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com